2013 NYIAS Unveiled: 2014 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid

By Eric Huebner March 27, 2013 | Comments Off

Nissan became the latest in a long line of automakers to debut an earth-friendly variant of a popular SUV earlier today when they unveiled the 2014 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid at the New York International Auto Show. Built in response to increased demand following the introduction of the fourth-generation model in October 12 and the subsequent doubling of sales, the Pathfinder Hybrid is intended to expand the variety of the Pathfinder platform. Designed as the vanguard of a new generation of Nissan hybrids, the Pathfinder is scheduled to go on sale at North American dealers in late summer, beginning in Canada.

The SUV is powered by a supercharged 2.5-liter gasoline engine mated to a 15kW electric motor and will be controlled by a dual clutch automatic transmission. This replaces the Pathfinder’s standard 3.5-liter V6 engine. This will allow the SUV to cruise reasonably efficiently, burning fuel at a rate of 26 mpg (combined). Additionally, this new system produces 250 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque, numbers that are quite similar to the gasoline-powered Pathfinder.

The new Pathfinder Hybrid will serve as the base for the upcoming Infiniti QX60 luxury crossover, which was also launched today in New York. Notably, this represents Nissan’s return to the hybrid sector after pulling its hybrid sedans from the market in 2011 and experiencing disappointment with the near-failure of its Leaf EV.

The Pathfinder Hybrid will be priced at roughly $35,000, $5,000 above the standard model, which currently sells for roughly $30,000.

Nissan also used the event to unveil the wheelchair-accessible version of their NV200 Taxi, which will be available to taxi services this coming fall and the custom Gibson Repair & Restoration Van. This was derived from a publicity partnership with Gibson Guitars and designed to replicate their famous repair and restoration shop in Nashville, Tennessee.

About the author

Eric Huebner, A native of Detroit, Michigan, Eric spent his formative years in the belly of the auto industry. Currently working as a freelance journalist, Eric covers the automotive lifestyle in all corners of the globe. When not busy writing, he moonlights as a student at the University of Michigan.

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